Greg Jennings doesn’t want his contract negotiations -- or the comments he made about possibly leaving Packers -– to be a distraction.
Tell that to the two dozen or so reporters anxiously thronged around your locker, Greg.
“It’s not a distraction,” Jennings said. “I’m not going to allow it to be a distraction. I’ve never allowed my individual off-the-field dealings to become a distraction to myself, let alone the team. I’m glad you guys are asking me now so we can kill it, because it’s a nonissue. It’s one of those deals where I can’t control the situation. I have an agent. He’s working diligently.
More than likely, it isn’t the last time he’ll have to address the topic. Jennings has made no secret of the fact -- however unimaginable to Packers fans -- that 2012 could be his last year in Green Bay. The two-time Pro Bowler, who’s been with the Packers since he was drafted in the second round in 2006, has been blunt with multiple media outlets when discussing what could happen after his deal expires at the end of this season.
Before training camp, Jennings alluded to the possibility of leaving the Packers in an interview with ESPNMilwaukee.com. He reiterated that stance in a recent Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story, saying, “This is my last year with the Packers under contract. … Whether the [next] contract comes with Green Bay or one of the other 31 teams, that's the reality of it.” And earlier this week, on ESPN Radio’s Mike and Mike in the Morning show, Jennings said he wanted to remain a Packer but that the ball wasn’t in his court.
His current contract, a three-year extension signed in June 2009 that pays him $26.35 million with $16 million guaranteed, is up after the 2012 season. With the contracts of such stars as MVP QB Aaron Rodgers, LB Clay Matthews and B.J. Raji looming on the horizon -- and with the Packers’ glut of talent at wide receiver -- there’s no assurance Jennings will remain a Packer.
And more people than just Jennings and the media seem to be aware of that.
On his weekly radio show on 540 ESPN, Rodgers was frank. “I think you have to be realistic about it and think that it might be [Rodgers’ last year with Jennings],” he said.
Rodgers also brought up the notion that the Packers may have more players to pay than they can afford.
“There’s a lot of guys who may or may not get paid the next few years, and obviously with Jordy [Nelson, who signed a team-friendly contract extension before last season], I think you have to think about whether or not there’s room for all of us. If there’s not, obviously you wish Greg the best. He’s a great guy and will be a great friend.”
Jennings said Wednesday that he isn't going to worry about it.
“That will take care of itself," he said. "Right now, my mind is on the 49ers, and it will be on the next opponent and the next opponent after that. I would love to be here. … This is my locker. I want this to be my locker until I hang my cleats up and decide I’ll give this locker up to someone else."
Follow Packers reporter James Carlton on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLGB